Jakob Owens
With the ongoing gender equality movement, Hollywood is no exception when it comes to pushing for change. Actresses are speaking out against the wage gap and there’s been a call for red carpet reporters to ask female celebrities more substantial questions — Tinseltown has been undergoing a much-needed makeover.
While the push for change in front of the camera continues, we can’t forget the ladies behind the camera as there are a handful of applaud-worthy female directors who are often overlooked.
Here are 10 ladies you probably didn’t know held the reins on some of your favorite big budget films.
Selma, directed by Ava DuVernay
Selma depicted the battle for African American suffrage during the 1960s and the historic voting rights march that took place from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery. The movie was nominated for Best Picture at the 2015 Academy Awards and won for Best Song.
The Hurt Locker, directed by Kathryn Bigelow
This movie set the standard for women in film, with director Kathryn Bigelow becoming the first woman to win the award for Best Director in Oscar history. The movie also won five other Academy Awards that year…not bad!
Shrek, directed by Vicky Jenson
The 2011 animated film grossed more than $376 million and that was just in the United States. It’s no wonder Vicky Jenson went on to make three more installments of the family fun franchise.
Suffragette, directed by Sarah Gavron
The 2015 British historical drama portrays women’s suffrage and includes performances from Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, and Helena Bonham Carter (sounds like a must-watch if you ask us).
Big, directed by Penny Marshall
In what was only her second feature directorial gig, Penny Marshall helped launch the career of Tom Hanks in this 1988 classic movie. It grossed more than $222 million in the U.S. alone.
Love & Basketball, directed by Gina Prince Bythewood
Ah, who doesn’t love a classic love story? Gina Prince Bythewood, who both wrote and directed the movie, set the bar high for future sports-romance flicks.
Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins
2017’s box office hit brought to life a beloved female superhero. The best part? The director was also female.
Winter’s Bone, directed by Debra Granik
Not only did the film launch Jennifer Lawrence as an A-list actress, the movie was also nominated for Best Picture at the 2011 Academy Awards.
Wayne’s World, directed by Penelope Spheeris
Whoever said women can’t be funny never met Penelope Spheeris. Her vision for Wayne’s World led to the creation of a fan favorite film that made more than $233 million.
Little Women, directed by Gillian Armstrong
Director Gillian Armstrong based this female-driven film off the 1868 Louisa May Alcott classic novel. It only makes sense that a fellow lady took charge of this one.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
